How to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Your Daily Life

know, know. Talking about the environment these days is depressing at best, and at worst, a cataclysmic. Content streams from all available sources: examples of the real world that draw miserable pictures of what we have left behind and the time we run out of time to save it. Plastic seems to be a recurring villain for good reason. It shines everywhere from Mount Everest to breast milk, but let’s turn the script a little. Instead of feeling like the weight of the world rests on our shoulders alone, let’s pour hope into it. Remember, don’t forget that light passes through the cracks.

Priming our daily habits with a more earth-conscious choice can be empowering. It doesn’t have to be all or silent, but by making small and subtle shifts from the simplest ones (read: often plastic), we can slowly remind ourselves that convenience is not always the answer. Around it is a natural, achievable plastic-free solution. Let’s take a look at some of them that can make a difference over time.

Functional images by Michelle Nash.

Sticky simple swap

You want to use less plastic, how? I feel that is impossible, all paper straws seem to have 12 vitamin bottles wrapped around shrink. But instead of trying to quit the cold plastic turkey, start by examining your everyday routine with one-off swaps that will eliminate future plastic purchases.

• Reusable food and production bags. Store them in a place you can see before leaving the house, like they are hanging from a garage door, behind the trunk of your car, or on a key rack.
• Refillable water bottles and travel mug. Invest in what you want to actually use, travel well and easily clean. I love using solid copper bottles to inject water into additional beneficial ions. Also, PSA: Those Togo Coffee Cups There are eternal chemicals lined up.
• Beeswax wrap or silicone lid instead of plastic wrap. Once you start, you’ll be surprised at how many of these uses there are. They go on and are the perfect motivation to replace the Ziplock bags with the next compostable one.
• Soap and shampoo bar. One of the easiest swaps is to go back to the soap dish. It also feels much more aesthetically pleasing and can naturally make the bathroom smell great.
• Refills and glass container dish soap and detergent. This also reduces the chances of running out when you need it. After the small container is refilled for the last time, replace or refill the larger container.

Useful Tips: Choose one room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, and focus on the space you want to start with.

Have you ever noticed that the messiness of these junk drawers is actually made of plastic? Reducing plastic in your home starts with less plastic. Without realizing it, we can easily accumulate more than we want, but this is not the case lose Plastic itself can reduce the demand for it over time.

• Choose products with minimal or no packaging. This also applies to supermarket plastic produce bags. (When you get home, put it directly into your cart and wash your fruits and vegetables.)
• Supports refill shops or bulk bins. Think about the staples you buy most frequently. Rice? Oats? beans? Quinoa? For that, there is probably a bulk option.
• I say no to plastic prizes and samples. Do you really need more stolen items? It’s just that you can’t live without it.
• If possible, choose glass, metal, or cardboard. Often, plastic means one-time or last-minute use. If you find yourself surrounded by plastic [fill in the blank]s, think about how your frequently reaching out for something and its reusable counterpart might be more useful to you.

Quick Win: Put a “plastic-free kit” with reusable totes, cooking utensils, straws and water bottles in your car or bag.

Make it a lifestyle, not a chore

If it’s plastic-free or generally more sustainable, then it’s not something you’ll check your to-do list. It’s more of a change in mindset than anything, so give blessings to the way you get there. There is no correct way. The best way is to naturally integrate with your lifestyle and nature and develop habits that match those you already have interests.

• Try the DIY you actually use. Start with simple things like versatile cleaners, glass cleaners, laundry detergents, and more.
• Before you buy a new “eco” product, run out of your current product. The most sustainable products are products you already have (low waste!). Once something is gone, create a mental note to switch to the plastic-free option.
• Talk to your child, friend or partner about why this is important. Numbers have power. Share the humility of you trying to be more conscious about limiting plastic in your life. You will be surprised at people who want to do the same thing. We encourage each other.
• Celebrating a small victory. Track your progress with each swap or set a mini-goal. Calculate the plastic footprint For more recognition and accountability.

Reminder: The intentional actions are summed.

…By making small and subtle shifts from the easiest thing (reading: often in plastic), we slowly remind ourselves that convenience is not always the answer.

Beyond the basics (when ready)

Creating some small swaps can lead to long-term changes later. If you prove to yourself can If you pay more attention to plastic use, you will see that there is always a next step. Once you realize the choices that have been given to you, you begin to feel the second nature of your own change, rather than following the flow.

• Learn how to composting to reduce food waste. Tips, Tips: It’s easier than you think.
• Switch to a plastic rash, toothbrush, or deodorant. Beauty products are designed to be interchangeable, so they can become part of the most difficult swap, but they are possible! Find options for stainless steel, bamboo, paper or glass.
• It’s crafty. If something breaks, fix it. Your first thought doesn’t always mean “you need to get something new.” We embrace the wabi-sabiness of the beauty of imperfection.
• Sign up for your local cleanup or advocacy group. Giving back to the community is the motivation to see concrete changes in real time.
• Choose a brand dedicated to sustainability and plastic-free packaging. They are there and they need your support. Easy Internet search for “plastic-free” [fill in the blank]Before you buy anything, you can create new favorite discoveries.

Start Small > never start

Reducing the amount of plastic used is not about perfecting it. It is about manifesting in small, meaningful ways and building those habits over time. Don’t be discouraged by not constantly thinking about how far you have to go. Even if you started with one plastic-free swap today, it’s still one more What I’m doing more for the environment than yesterday. That’s important.

Your favorite plastic-free products